A LIFELONG Quakers fan put his best foot forward yesterday to raise money for the cash-strapped club.

Ted Harris, 65, completed a seven-mile walk from Darlington Football Club's Reynolds Arena to Croft and back.

En route, he visited Middlesbrough Football Club's training ground, in Hurworth, where players pledged him £500 in sponsorship.

He hopes to raise £900 for Darlington Supporters' Trust's crisis fund.

He said: "I talked to Colin Cooper, who plays for Boro, and he told me to come back in next week to collect the cash. They were all really friendly."

Mr Harris, a retired railway worker, of Eastbourne Road, Darlington, attended his first Quakers match aged eight with his grandfather.

He said: "I am just doing what I can to keep the club going. I am a huge fan, especially of David Hodgson. I want him to stay in charge of the team.

"The walk was absolutely wonderful. I was fine up until the last mile-and-a-half, and then I started to feel weary. But it was worth it."